corinthians 8.doc
TRANSCRIPT
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Corinthians 8:1-15
Principles of Christian Financial Giving
Introduction
We come now to one of the main purposes for which Paul wrote this letter (hedevotes almost 20% of his letter to this): to remind them to come through on
their commitment to give money for the relief of Jerusalem Christians.
Read 1 Cor. 16: 1-4 for original request. Paul wanted to relieve human
suffering and be a witness of Christ’s power to reconcile people divided byracial and ethnic barriers.
The Corinthians evidently made a generous commitment, but started to
renege on it as the time drew near to pick it up. Paul writes these two
chapters to motivate them to make good on their commitment. In doing so,he reminds them of several key theological principles of Christian financial
giving.
This is significant. Paul wants them to come through on their
collection, but he knows that their behavior is connected to their convictions about biblical truth. So he focuses primarily on these
principles.
As with the Corinthians, this is a trouble-spot for many of us.
Christians: How we handle our money is one of the truest indices of how
well we understand God’s Word and how much we trust God’s power andlove.
Non-Christians: Church scams and scandals probably make you skittish
about this teaching. Let’s look at what God’s Word says about this wholearea. I think you’ll find it is very different from what you expect . . .
Giving is a response to God’s grace
Read vs 1-4. Paul obviously sees the Macedonians as an example for theCorinthians and us. What an example of voluntary, sacrificial generosity! What
motivated this kind of giving? Paul mentions the secret in vs 1a, and he spells it
out in vs 9--the grace of God. All authentic Christian giving (financially andotherwise) is a response to God’s grace.
“Grace” here does not refer to a prayer before Easter dinner or social charm.
It is the most important theological term in the New Testament. As Paulsays in vs 9, grace is God’s R iches At Christ’s Expense. Grace means that because Christ was willing to take on what he did not deserve (the guilt of
our sins and God’s judgment on those sins), God is now free to give us what
we do not deserve (FORGIVENESS; ADOPTION; ETERNAL LIFE;
ROLE IN GOD’S PURPOSE; HOLY SPIRIT; etc.).
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How does grace affect our attitude toward financial giving? We can answer this
question by contrasting giving under grace to another mentality of financial
giving--giving under law. Consider the following contrasts:
UNDER LAW: “I give in order to be accepted.” Of course, this is the way
other religions operate (ISLAM: ALMS AS ONE OF 5 PILLARS). Many
have been taught that Christianity teaches this as well, which is totally false.UNDER GRACE: “I give because I have been accepted.” When it comeshome to you what you really deserve versus what God has given you--the
result is to say “Thank you” to God by giving freely and sacrificially to
others (SCROOGE; Lk. 7:47; Matt. 10:8b)--in all kinds of ways, includingfinancially.
GOSPEL: Maybe you’ve never received God’s grace. This is as good a
time as any! This is why, when we take a collection at this meeting, we
always make it clear that we are not asking or expecting non-Christiansto give. We don't want to reinforce the misconception of salvation by
works. Don't get the cart before the horse (moral change & good works
before receiving Christ). Come to Christ, receive God’s free gift of forgiveness and eternal life and Holy Spirit--and then you can give
because you have been acceped.
CHRISTIANS (if time): We can understand grace, yet still give under
law if we are giving primarily to get other people’s acceptance . . .
UNDER LAW: “My giving is a duty that I resent.” This is the naturalconsequence of a works mentality. This is the way most of us give to the
IRS--we have to do it, but the whole thing is so impersonal and legalistic
that it takes any joy out of it.UNDER GRACE: “My giving is a privilege that I enjoy.” See above.
UNDER LAW: “I give the least I can to keep God/others off my back.”
Stinginess always flows from law-living.
UNDER GRACE: “I give as much as I can to express my gratitude for God’s love.” Grace promotes generous, voluntary giving like the
Macedonians.
QUALIFICATION: Some Christians misinterpret 9:7 to mean that calling on
other Christians to make financial giving commitments, or reminding them tofulfill such commitments is putting them under the law.
Paul has already called on them to make a commitment (1 Cor. 16:1,2 - “I
direct you”), and he is writing this section to remind them to come through
on this commitment (8:11; 9:5). So this can’t be what he means in 9:7.
Some say he means we shouldn’t give if we feel grudging or like we have togive. But my sin-nature frequently generates such feelings--I’d give very
little if I only gave when I felt like it.
Paul is simply reminding us that God wants us to choose to give with the
right attitude. We should reflect on God’s grace, and choose to givevoluntarily and cheerfully on that basis. The feelings sometimes precede,
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and at other times follow, this informed choice. If I find that I am viewing
giving as a distasteful duty, the answer isn’t to stop giving--it is to change
my attitude!
Giving is an acknowledgment that we are God’s stewards
Read vs 5. Here is another biblical principle that should inform our thinking aboutfinances and giving. The key point here is that we give our money to advance the cause
of Christ because we have first acknowledged God’s rightful ownership of our whole
lives. Giving should be an expression of our identity as God’s stewards.
Stewardship was one of Jesus’ favorite characters in his parables. A stewardwas a manager--someone who managed the owner’s farm or business. Good
stewards faithfully used their master’s resources to advance his concerns and
increase his wealth; bad stewards misused his resources for personal gain or squandered them out of laziness.
God is the Owner of all that we have (Ps. 24:1; 1 Cor. 6:19,20). We are his
stewards, entrusted with the privilege and responsibility to manage his resourcesto advance his purposes. God gives us freedom to use his resources the way wedecide (and no church or Christian should take this freedom away from one
another), but with this freedom comes real accountability. One day we will give
an account to him for how we did this (Matt. 25)--not for salvation, but for reward.
Here we collide directly with the view of our own culture. Most Americans
regard themselves as sovereign owners and their money as exclsuively their
own personal property to be used to advance their own interests.
What difference does it make whether we view ourselves as owners or stewards?
All the difference in the world! How we view this issue, like grace, shapes our attitude about this whole area. This is far more important than simply
ascertaining a bootom-line “How much should I give?” Consider these perspective differences:
OWNERS ask “How much of my money will I give to God?”
STEWARDS ask “How much of God’s money will I keep for myself?”
It is appropriate for stewards to have enough to live on, provide for our
families, make realistic provision for recreation, etc. But we shouldnever live luxuriously while the owner’s affairs are being neglected.
Yet statistics reveal that as most American Christians’ income goes up,
their percentage of giving goes down! Something is wrong with this picture!!! Many of us are at an expensive period of our lives (children;education; etc.), but we should still give significantly, and consider the
GRADUATED TITHE as our income increases and some of our costs
begin to decrease.
OWNERS ask “Do I want this?” and (sometimes) “Can I afford it?”STEWARDS ask “How will this affect my ability to advance God’s
purposes?”
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Certainly, being able to afford something shouldbe a necessary
condition for purchasing it. With easy credit, we are propagandized to
not ask this question--buy now because you want it and pay later (or increase your credit limit). Many of us know from cruel experience the
financial slavery this mentality leads to.
But just because I can afford something does not mean that I should buy it. This may be responsible OWNERSHIP, but it is irresponsibleSTEWARDSHIP! There are the needs of other Christians to consider,
for example, both locally and extra-locally (8:13-15). And there are the
needs of the lost who are dear to God’s heart. STEWARDS are caughtup with God’s passion to reach the lost, and look for creative ways to
subsidize this great purpose (LOCAL CHURCH GIVING; Christian
MINISTRIES; MISSIONS WORK).
OWNERS say “My finances and giving are my private business.” Boy, isthis ever an American attitude! They tend to resent questions or challenges
from others in this area as intrusive. But STEWARDS say “I will seek wise
counsel so I can be faithful with God’s resources.”
Instead of viewing our finances and giving as our private business, weconsult God’s will through prayer, his Word, and counsel from other
more mature Christians who understand money matters. Since we will
answer to God, we must make the final decision and not let othersmake it for us. But we will approach such decisions with this kind of
sobriety.
PLUG PERSONAL FINANCE MINISTRY TEAM: They are mature
Christians who understand finances. They receive no personalremuneration for their services.
Giving is an essential component of Christian spirituality
The Corinthian Christians had a lot going for them spiritually, but their
deficiency in this area kept Paul from calling them models of Christian living.
He calls on them to complete the profile of spiritual health/maturity by filling in
this component (read vs 7).
Most of us would (rightfully) reject the notion that someone is spiritual even
though they rarely pray, share their faith, learn the Word, fellowship with other
Christians, stay faithful to their spouse, etc. But for some reason, many in
Corinth (and Xenos) thought they could be spiritual without transformation is
this area.
HERBERT KANE: “The last part of the person to convert is his wallet.”
God says money is a symbol of our time and effort. How we spend it is a
key indicator of our true priorities (Lk.. 12:34).
This is why we unapologetically require a record of significant giving to be a deacon or
elder in our church (1 Tim. 3:3,8 >> EXPLAIN Servant Team & Fiscal Support Team).
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We have biblical knowledge requirements, ministry requirements, character
requirements, fellowship requirements, etc.--and we have this requirement.
NEW CHRISTIANS: Get started early in this area! The longer you wait, the harder itgets . . .
We can give significantly whether we are financially rich or poor
Read vs 12. Refer to Mark 12:41-44.
"This is . . . the new mathematics, the arithmetic of heaven. God estimates
our gifts not so much by their financial value, as by the sacrifice involved,
the love that accompanies it, and the amount that is left. The supreme valueof the widow's gift lay in the fact that she `out of her poverty, put in all she
owned, all she had to live on' - while the others gave `out of their surplus'
(Mk. 12:44). Here is a searching test of our giving, but that incident should
greatly encourage those who have only a little to give, but give it gladly."1[1]
"I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the
only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our
expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard
common among those with the same income as our own, we are probablygiving way too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I
should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do
and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them."2[2]
Therefore, we can give significantly whether we have a lot or a little!
STUDENTS & DEBTORS: “I can’t give very much, so I’ll wait until I get
out of school/debt and then I’ll start to give.” You’re missing this point,
and you probably won’t give then either.
Conclusion
1
2
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NEXT WEEK: We’ll cover more principles . . .
<< Deuteronomy 16:17 >>
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"Every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of the LORD
your God which He has given you.
King James Bible
Every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of the LORD
thy God which he hath given thee.
American King James Version
Every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of the LORD
your God which he has given you.
American Standard Version
every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of Jehovah thy
God which he hath given thee.
Douay-Rheims Bible
But every one shall offer according to
what he hath, according to the blessingof the Lord his God, which he shall give
him.
Darby Bible Translation
each shall give according to that which is
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in his power to give, according to the
blessing of Jehovah thy God which he
hath given thee.
English Revised Version
every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of the LORD
thy God which he hath given thee.
Webster's Bible Translation
Every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of the LORD
thy God which he hath given thee.
World English Bible
every man shall give as he is able,
according to the blessing of Yahweh your
God which he has given you.
Young's Literal Translation
each according to the gift of his hand,
according to the blessing of Jehovah thy
God, which He hath given to thee.
Every man shall give as he is able __
according to the blessing of the LORD
thy God which he hath given thee
Every man
'iysh (eesh)
a man as an individual or a male person;
often used as an adjunct to a more
definite term (and in such cases
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frequently not expressed in translation)
shall give as he is able
mattanah (mat-taw-naw')a present; specifically (in a good sense),
a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a
bribe -- gift.
yad (yawd)
a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.),
according to the blessing
Brakah (ber-aw-kaw')
benediction; by implication prosperity --
blessing, liberal, pool, present.
of the LORD
Yhovah (yeh-ho-vaw')
(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah,
Jewish national name of God -- Jehovah,
the Lord.
thy God'elohiym (el-o-heem')
angels, exceeding, God (gods)(-dess,
-ly), (very) great, judges, mighty.
which he hath given
nathan (naw-than')
to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.)
thee
Deuteronomy 16:17 Multilingual Bible
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Deutéronome 16:17 French
Deuteronomio 16:17 Biblia Paralela
申 命 記 16:17 Chinese Bible
New American Standard Bible Copyright
© 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972,
1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights
reserved. For Permission to Quote
Information visit http://www.lockman.org.
ScriptureText.com Multilingual Bible
New International Version (©1984)
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable
according to what one has, not according to what he
does not have.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it
eagerly. And give according to what you have, not
what you don't have.
English Standard Version (©2001)
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable
according to what a person has, not according to
what he does not have.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable
according to what a person has, not according to
what he does not have.
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Exodus 25:2 "Tell the Israelites to
bring me an offering. You are to
receive the offering for me from
each man whose heart prompts him
to give.
Mark 12:43 Calling his disciples to
him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth,
this poor widow has put more into
the treasury than all the others.
Luke 21:3 "I tell you the truth," he
said, "this poor widow has put in
more than all the others.
Luke 21:4 All these people gave their
gifts out of their wealth; but she out
of her poverty put in all she had to
live on."
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For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted
according to that a man hath, and not according to
that he hath not.
International Standard Version (©2008)
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable
according to what you have, not according to what
you do not have.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
For if there is a willingness, so it is accepted
according to what one has; it is not according to what
one does not have.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
with whatever contributions you have. Since you are
willing to do this, [remember] that people are
accepted if they give what they are able to give. God
doesn't ask for what they don't have.
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted
according to what a man has, and not according to
what he has not.
American King James Version
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted
according to that a man has, and not according to
that he has not.
American Standard Version
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable
according as a man hath, not according as he hath
not.
Douay-Rheims Bible
For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to
that which a man hath, not according to that which
he hath not.
Darby Bible Translation
2 Corinthians 8:11 Now finish the
work, so that your eager willingness
to do it may be matched by your
completion of it, according to your
means.
2 Corinthians 8:13 Our desire is not
that others might be relieved while
you are hard pressed, but that there
might be equality.
2 Corinthians 8:19 What is more, he
was chosen by the churches to
accompany us as we carry the
offering, which we administer inorder to honor the Lord himself and
to show our eagerness to help.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should
give what he has decided in his
heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.
New International Version ©1984 by
Acceptable
Accepted Approval
Assuming Earnest
Gift God's Measure
Mind Present
Readiness Ready
Well-accepted Whatever Willing
Willingness
Acceptable
Accepted Approval
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For if the readiness be there, a man is accepted
according to what he may have, not according to
what he has not.
English Revised Version
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable
according as a man hath, not according as he hath
not.
Webster's Bible Translation
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted
according to what a man hath, and not according to
what he hath not.
Weymouth New Testament
For, assuming the earnest willingness, the gift is
acceptable according to whatever a man has, and
not according to what he has not.
World English Bible
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable
according to what you have, not according to what
you don't have.
Young's Literal Translation
for if the willing mind is present, according to that
which any one may have it is well-accepted, not
according to that which he hath not;
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
For if there be first a willing mind - If there is a
"readiness" (προθυμια prothumia), a disposition togive; if the heart is in it, then the offering will be
acceptable to God, whether you be able to give
much or little. A willing mind is the first consideration.
No donation, however large, can be acceptable
where that does not exist; none, however small, can
be otherwise than acceptable where that is found.
Assuming Earnest
First Gift God's
Measure Mind
Present Readiness
Ready Well-
Accepted Whatever
Willing Willingness
Acceptable
Accepted Approval
Assuming Earnest
First Gift God's
Measure Mind
Present Readiness Ready Well-
Accepted Whatever
Willing Willingness
For if there be first
a willing mind, it is
accepted according
to that a man hath,
and not according
to that he hath not.
if. 9:7 Ex 25:2
35:5,21,22,29 1Ch
29:3-18 2Ch 6:8 Pr
19:22 Mr 12:42-44
14:7,8 Lu 7:44-46
12:47,48 16:10
21:1-4 1Pe 4:10
2 Corinthians
Chapter 8 Verse 12
Alphabetical: a
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This had relation as used by Paul to the duty of
almsgiving; but the principle is as applicable to
everything in the way of duty. A willing mind is the
first and main thing. it is that which God chiefly
desires, and that without which everything else will
be offensive, hypocritical, and vain; see the note, 2
Corinthians 9:7.
It is accepted - Doddridge, Rosenmuller, Macknight,
and some others apply this to the person, and render
it," he is accepted;" but the more usual, and the more
natural interpretation is to apply it to the gift - it is
accepted. God will approve of it, and will receive it
favorably.
According to that a man hath ... - He is not required
to give what he has not. His obligation is
proportioned to his ability. His offering is acceptable
to God according to the largeness and willingness of
his heart, and not according to the narrowness of his
fortune - Locke. If the means are small, if the
individual is poor, and if the gift shall be, therefore,
small in amount, yet it may be proof of a larger heart
and of more true love to God and his cause thanwhen a much more ample benefaction is made by
one in better circumstances. This sentiment the
Saviour expressly stated and defended in the case of
the poor widow; Mark 12:42-44; Luke 21:1-4. She
who had cast in her two mites into the treasury had
put in more than all which the rich people had
contributed, for they had given of their abundance,
but she had cast in all that she had, even all her
living. The great and obviously just and equal
principle here stated, was originally applied by Paulto the duty of giving alms. But it is equally true and
just as applied to all the duties which we owe to God.
He demands:
(1) A willing mind, a heart disposed to yield
obedience. He claims that our service should be
acceptable
according does For
gift has have he if is
it not one person
present readiness
the there to what
willingness
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voluntary and sincere, and that we should make an
unreserved consecration of what we have.
(2) secondly, he demands only what we have power
to render. He requires a service strictly according toour ability, and to be measured by that. He demands
no more than our powers are suited to produce; no
more than we are able to render. Our obligations in
all cases are limited by our ability. This is obviously
the rule of equity, and this is all that is anywhere
demanded in the Bible, and this is everywhere
demanded. Thus, our love to him is to be in
proportion to our ability, and not to be graduated by
the ability of angels or other beings. "And thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy
strength;" Mark 12:30. Here the obligation is limited
by the ability, and the love is to be commensurate
with the ability. So of repentance, faith, and of
obedience in any form. None but a tyrant ever
demands more than can be rendered; and to
demand more is the appropriate description of a
tyrant, and cannot pertain to the ever-blessed God.
(3) thirdly, if there is any service rendered to God,
according to the ability, it is accepted of him. It may
not be as much or as valuable as may be rendered
by beings of higher powers; it may not be as much
as we would desire to render, but it is all that God
demands, and is acceptable to him. The poor widow
was not able to give as much as the rich man; but
her offering was equally acceptable, and might be
more valuable, for it would be accompanied with her
prayers. The service which we can render to Godmay not be equal to that which the angels render;
but it may be equally appropriate to our condition
and our powers, and may be equally acceptable to
God. God may be as well pleased with the sighings
of penitence as the praises of angels; with the
offerings of a broken and a contrite heart as with the
New American
Standard Bible
Copyright © 1960,
1962, 1963, 1968,
1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995
by The Lockman
Foundation, La
Habra, Calif. All
rights reserved. For
Permission to
Quote Information
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International
Standard Version
Copyright © 1996-
2008 by the ISV
Foundation.
GOD'S WORD® is
a copyrighted workof God's Word to
the Nations.
Quotations are
used by
permission.
Copyright 1995 by
God's Word to the
Nations. All rights
reserved.
NT Letters: 2
Corinthians 8:12
For if the readiness
is there it (2 Cor.
2C iiC 2Cor ii cor
iicor) Christian
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loud hallelujahs of unfallen beings in heaven.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
According to that a man hath - According to his real
property; not taking that which belongs to his own
family, and is indispensably necessary for their
support; and not taking that which belongs to others;
viz. what he owes to any man.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
For if there be first a willing mind,.... If what is donesprings from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of
bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully
and freely, and according to a man's ability; the
quantity matters not, whether it be more or less:
it is accepted; both of God and man:
according to that a man hath, and not according to
that he hath not. The widow's mite was as
acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast
into the treasury; a cup of cold water given to a
prophet, in the name of a prophet, is taken notice of
by God, and shall have its reward. The present sent
by the Philippians to the Apostle Paul, and which
perhaps was not very large, was "an odour of a
sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to
God", Philippians 4:18.
Vincent's Word Studies
If there be first a willing mind (ε η προθυμια
προκετα)
The error of the A.V. consists in regarding πρ in
πρκετα as indicating priority in time; be first;
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whereas it signifies position, before one; as "the
hope, or the race, or the joy which is set before us."
Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 12:2; or "the
example which is set forth," Jde 1:7. Hence Rev.,
correctly, if the readiness is there.
Geneva Study Bible
{6} For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted
according to that a man hath, and not according to
that he hath not.
(6) Against those who excused themselves because
they are not rich, as though it were only the duty of
rich men to help the poor.
People's New Testament
8:12 For if there is first a willing mind. The willing
mind had been shown in the readiness to will. The
willing mind is essential to the acceptance of the gift.
If there be this pre-requisite, then God accepts the
gift and measures it according to a man's means.
Wesley's Notes
8:12 A man - Every believer. Is accepted - With God.
According to what he hath - And the same rule holds
universally. Whoever acknowledges himself to be a
vile, guilty sinner, and, in consequence of this
acknowledgment, flies for refuge to the wounds of a
crucified Saviour, and relies on his merits alone for
salvation, may in every circumstance of life apply this
indulgent declaration to himself.
Scofield Reference Notes
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Margin willing
See 2Cor 8:10-12, See Scofield Note: "2Cor 8:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. For-Following up the rule "out of that which ye
have" (2Co 8:11), and no more.
a willing mind-rather, as Greek, "the readiness,"
namely, to will, referring to 2Co 8:11.
accepted-Greek "favorably accepted."
according to that a man hath-The oldest manuscripts
omit "a man." Translate, "According to whatsoever it
have"; the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, is
personified [Alford]. Or better, as Bengel, "He is
accepted according to whatsoever he have"; so 2Co
9:7, The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Compare as to
David, 1Ki 8:18. God accepts the will for the deed.
He judges not according to what a man has the
opportunity to do, but according to what he would do
if he had the opportunity (compare Mr 14:8; and the
widow's mite, Lu 21:3, 4).
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
8:10-15 Good purposes are like buds and blossoms,
pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but
they are lost, and signify nothing without good
deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the
benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men
purpose that which is good, and endeavour,
according to their ability, to perform also, God will not
reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But
this scripture will not justify those who think good
meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and
the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to
save. Providence gives to some more of the good
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things of this world, and to some less, that those who
have abundance might supply others who are in
want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual
supplying one another, there should be some sort of
equality; not such a levelling as would destroy
property, for in such a case there could be no
exercise of charity. All should think themselves
concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown
from the gathering and giving out the manna in the
wilderness, Ex 16:18. Those who have most of this
world, have no more than food and raiment; and
those who have but little of this world, seldom are
quite without them.
New International Version (©1984)
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
New Living Translation (©2007)
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in
response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."
English Standard Version (©2001)
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for
God loves a cheerful giver.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
International Standard Version (©2008)
Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under
compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.
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Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
Every man according to what he is in his mind and not according to grief or of compulsion,
for God loves the joyful giver.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn't be sorry that you gave or
feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver.
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
American King James Version
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
American Standard Version
Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful giver.
Darby Bible Translation
each according as he is purposed in his heart; not grievingly, or of necessity; for God loves a
cheerful giver.
English Revised Version
Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Webster's Bible Translation
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or by
constraint: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Weymouth New Testament
Let each contribute what he has decided upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or
under compulsion. "It is a cheerful giver that God loves."
World English Bible
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Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under
compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Young's Literal Translation
each one, according as he doth purpose in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for acheerful giver doth God love,
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart ... - The main idea in this verse is, that the
act of giving should be voluntary and cheerful. It should not seem to be extorted by the
importunity of others 2 Corinthians 9:6; nor should it be given from urgent necessity, but it
should be given as an offering of the heart. On this part of the verse we may remark:
(1) That the heart is usually more concerned in the business of giving than the head. If
liberality is evinced, it will be the heart which prompts to it; if it is not evinced, it will be
because the heart has some bad passions to gratify, and is under the influence of avarice, or
selfishness, or some other improper attachment. Very often a man is convinced he ought to
give liberally, but a narrow heart and a parsimonious spirit prevents it.
(2) we should follow the dictates of the heart in giving. I mean that a man will usually give
more correctly who follows the first promptings of his heart when an object of charity is
presented, than he will if he takes much time to deliberate. The instinctive prompting of abenevolent heart is to give liberally. And the amount which should be given will usually be
suggested to a man by the better feelings of his heart. But if he resolves to deliberate much,
and if he suffers the heart to grow cold, and if he defers it, the pleadings of avarice will como
in, or some object of attachment or plan of life will rise to view, or he will begin to compare
himself with others. and he will give much less than he would have done if he had followed
the first impulse of feeling. God implanted the benevolent feelings in the bosom that they
should prompt us to do good; and he who acts most in accordance with them is most likely
to do what he ought to do; and in general it is the safest and best rule for a man to give just
what his heart prompts him to give when an object of charity is presented. Man at best is too
selfish to be likely to give too much or to go beyond his means; and if in a few instances itshould be done, more would be gained in value in the cultivation of benevolent feeling than
would be lost in money. I know of no better rule on the subject, than to cultivate as much as
possible the benevolent feelings, and then to throw open the soul to every proper appeal to
our charity, and to give just according to the instinctive prompting of the heart.
(3) giving should be voluntary and cheerful. It should be from the heart. Yet there is much,
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very much that is not so, and there is, therefore, much benevolence that is spasmodic and
spurious; that cannot be depended on, and that will not endure. No dependence can be
placed on a man in regard to giving who does not do it from the steady influences of a
benevolent heart. But there is much obtained in the cause of benevolence that is produced
by a kind of extortion It is given because others give, and the man would be ashamed to give
less than they do. Or, it is given because he thinks his rank in life demands it, and he is
prompted to do it by pride and vanity. Or, he gives from respect to a pastor or a friend, or
because he is warmly importuned to give; or because he is shut up to a kind of necessity to
give, and must give or he would lose his character and become an object of scorn and
detestation. In all this there is nothing cheerful and voluntary; and there can be nothing in it
acceptable to God. Nor can it be depended on permanently. The heart is not in it, and the
man will evade the duty as soon as he can, and will soon find excuses for not giving at all.
Not grudgingly - Greek, "Not of grief" (μη ε κ λπης me ek lupe s). Not as if be were sorry to
part with his money. Not as if he were constrained to do a thing that was extremely painful to
him. "Or of necessity." As if he were compelled to do it. Let him do it cheerfully.
For God loveth a cheerful giver - And who does not? Valuable as any gift may be in itself, yet
if it is forced and constrained; if it can be procured only after great importunity and
persevering effort, who can esteem it as desirable? God desires the heart in every service.
No service that is not cheerful and voluntary; none that does not arise from true love to him
can be acceptable in his sight. God loves it because it shows a heart like his own - a heart
disposed to give cheerfully and do good on the largest scale possible; and because it shows
a heart attached from principle to his service and cause. The expression here has all theappearance of a proverb, and expressions similar to this occur often in the Scriptures. In an
uninspired writer, also, this idea has been beautifully expanded. "In all thy gifts show a
cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness. Give unto the Most High
according as he hath enriched thee: and as thou hast gotten give with a cheerful eye. For
the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much" - Wisdom of the Son of
Sirach 35:9-11. In nothing, therefore, is it more important than to examine the motives by
which we give to the objects of benevolence. However liberal may be our benefactions, yet
God may see that there is no sincerity, and may hate the spirit with which it is done.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Not grudgingly, or of necessity - The Jews had in the temple two chests for alms; the one
was of what was necessary, i.e. what the law required, the other was of the
free-will offerings. To escape perdition some would grudgingly give what necessity obliged
them; others would give cheerfully, for the love of God, and through pity to the poor. Of the
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first, nothing is said; they simply did what the law required. Of the second, much is said; God
loves them. The benefit of almsgiving is lost to the giver when he does it with a grumbling
heart. And, as he does not do the duty in the spirit of the duty, even the performance of the
letter of the law is an abomination in the sight of God.
To these two sorts of alms in the temple the apostle most evidently alludes. See Schoettgen.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,.... Which is not to be understood of the
quantity, or any set sum he has fixed upon in his mind to give; but of the quality or nature of
giving; or of the manner in which he is to give:
so let him give; of his own will and free choice, from his very heart; not as directed andforced by others, but according to his own counsel and determination:
not grudgingly; or not of grief; with pain and uneasiness of mind, grieving at parting with what
is given, reflecting on the persons that move him to it, or on the objects moved for. The Jews
(g) reckon this the lowest degree of all in giving alms; "when a man gives to anyone" "with
grief", to which the apostle seems to refer: who adds,
or of necessity; of force, by coaction, being obliged to it by the influence, example, or
commands of superiors; or through the powerful motives, or prevailing entreaties of others;
for without these, men, according to their abilities, should give of themselves freely and
liberally:
for God loveth a cheerful giver; or one that gives , "with a cheerful countenance", as the
Jews (h) say; or as elsewhere (i), "with a cheerful heart": their rule is this,
"he that doth the commandment, i.e. alms, let him do it , "with a cheerful heart".''
Who looks pleasantly on the person or persons that move him to it, or on the object to whom
he gives; who parts with his money willingly, and takes delight in doing good to others; such
givers God loves: not that their cheerful beneficence is the cause of his special peculiar loveto them in his own heart, which arises from nothing in man, or done by him; but the meaning
is, that God does well to such persons; shows his love to them; he lets them know how
kindly he takes such acts of theirs, by prospering and succeeding them in their worldly
affairs. In the Septuagint in Proverbs 22:8 are these words, "God blesses a cheerful man,
and a giver", which the apostle refers to.
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(g) Maimon. Mattanot Anayim, c. 10. sect. 14. (h) Maimon. Mattanot Anayim, c. 10. sect. 13.
(i) Vajikra Rabba, fol. 174. 1. Parash. 34.
Vincent's Word Studies
Purposeth (προαρειτα)
Read προη ρητα, perfect tense, hath purposed.
Grudgingly (ε κ λπης)
Lit., out of sorrow.
Cheerful ( λαρον)
Only here in the New Testament. See on the kindred λαρτης cheerfulness, note on
Romans 12:8.
God loveth, etc.
From Proverbs 22:9, where the Hebrew is, a kind man shall be blessed. Sept., God blesseth
a man who is cheerful and a giver.
Geneva Study Bible
Every man according as he {c} purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not {d} grudgingly, or
of {e} necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(c) Determines and appoints freely with himself.
(d) With a sparing and grudging heart.
(e) Against his will, not wanting to have evil spoken of him.
People's New Testament
9:7 Not grudgingly, or of necessity. Where one gives by compulsion, or to secure popular
applause, or grudgingly, he is not approved.
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For God loveth a cheerful giver. The giving must be cheerful. It is the cheerful giver whom
the Lord loves.
Wesley's Notes
9:7 Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse.
Scofield Reference Notes
Margin cheerful
Gr. hilarious.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. according as he purposeth in his heart-Let the full consent of the free will go with the gift
[Alford]. Opposed to "of necessity," as "grudgingly" is opposed to "a cheerful giver" (Pr 22:9;
11:25; Isa 32:8).
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
9:6-15 Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but whengiven from proper principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be
expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be
done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are
about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be it
more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter, and yet increase; others
withhold more than is meet, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we should
waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase. Can a man lose by
doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and
to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of temporal good things. He can
make us to have enough in all things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not
only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and
this should be as seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel,
by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of
God. Let us endeavour to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and
deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of
his grace, whereby he enables and inclines some of his people to bestow upon others, and
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others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ,
that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to
life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds.
Exodus 25:2 "Tell the Israelites to
bring me an offering. You are to
receive the offering for me from
each man whose heart prompts him
to give.
Deuteronomy 15:10 Give generously
to him and do so without a grudging
heart; then because of this theLORD your God will bless you in all
your work and in everything you put
your hand to.
1 Chronicles 29:9
rejoiced at the willing response of
their leaders, for they had given
freely and wholeheartedly to the
LORD. David the king also rejoiced
greatly.
1 Chronicles 29:17 I know, my God,
that you test the heart and are
pleased with integrity. All these
things have I given willingly and with
honest intent. And now I have seen
with joy how willingly your people
who are here have given to you.
Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will
prosper; he who refreshes others
will himself be refreshed.
Romans 12:8 if it is encouraging, let
him encourage; if it is contributing to
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the needs of others, let him give
generously; if it is leadership, let
him govern diligently; if it is showing
mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 8:12
willingness is there, the gift is
acceptable according to what one
has, not according to what he does
not have.
Philemon 1:14 But I did not want to
do anything without your consent,
so that any favor you do will be
spontaneous and not forced.New International Version ©1984 by
Cheerful
Compulsion
Constraint
Contribute Decided
Determined Force
Giver Giving Grief
Grievingly
Grudgingly Heart
Love Loves Loveth
Mind Necessity
Pleasure Purpose
Purposed Purposeth
Ready Reluctantly
Sorrow Takes
Cheerful
Compulsion
Constraint
Contribute Decided
Determined Force
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Giver Grief Heart
Loves Mind
Necessity Pleasure
Purpose Purposeth
Ready Reluctantly
Cheerful
Compulsion
Constraint
Contribute Decided
Determined Force
Giver Grief Heart
Loves Mind
Necessity Pleasure Purpose Purposeth
Ready Reluctantly
Every man
according as he
purposeth in his
heart, so let him
give; not
grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful
giver.
not. De 15:7-11,14
Pr 23:6-8 Isa 32:5,8
Jas 5:9 1Pe 4:9
God. 8:12 Ex 25:235:5 1Ch 29:17 Pr
11:25 22:9 Ac
20:35 Ro 12: